A car accident can leave you feeling frustrated. It's even worse if the accident left you injured. Whiplash is one of the most common collision-related injuries, but the pain and stiffness associated with it may not be immediately felt. This is why it's important to visit an expert as soon as possible after an auto accident. Dr. Donna Watson, a chiropractor at A Place of Health in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating injuries from auto accidents. She explains the details of whiplash here.

How does whiplash happen?

Whiplash is the result of simple physics: when a car is suddenly stopped due to an accident, the force that kept it in motion is transferred to your body. While seatbelts do an excellent job of keeping the core of your body in place, there is nothing to stop that force from moving the neck and head backward, then immediately forward at a rapid rate of speed. This movement is well beyond what is normal for the spine and its associated ligaments, causing injury to occur.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Your Fort Lauderdale chiropractor finds that the main symptoms of whiplash after an auto accident tend to be headaches and stiffness in the neck. This is due to a combination of damage to the discs between the spinal vertebrae and ligaments, as well as muscle tension. Some patients complain of a tingling or "pins and needles" feeling that travels down the shoulders, arms and hands. The important thing to remember about whiplash is that its effects may not be felt immediately. In fact, it may be several days or weeks before the symptoms occur.

If you've been in an auto accident, your Fort Lauderdale chiropractor, Dr. Watson, urges you to make an appointment at A Place of Health as soon as you can. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to successful healing. Call us today with any questions you may have!